The fight against doping, including on the podiums: a new victory for Sun Yang, over 200 m this time, responded a new protocol defiance at the World Swimming Championships, Tuesday in Gwangju (South Korea). In the Korean basin, the competition was opened on a new evening of controversy with the victory of Sun (1: 44.93), obtained after the disqualification of the Lithuanian Danas Rapsys, sanctioned for having moved on the starting block.
Two days after Australian Horton's refusal to climb the 400m podium - already won by the Chinese swimmer at the heart of a controversial anti-doping test last September, during which he is accused of having broken suddenly hammer a blood sample - it was the turn of British Duncan Scott, third tied to show his distrust of him. Unlike Horton, Scott (22) is well on the third step of the podium to receive his bronze medal. But he then refused to shake hands with Sun, and then stayed away from the souvenir photo.
A warning for "inappropriate behavior"
No taste of the big Chinese of almost two meters, who first wielded a raging fist in his direction exultant "I won, I won!" And then throwing him "You're a loser, I am a winner "once the ceremonial ceremony is over. Both received a warning from Fina, for "inappropriate behavior", as had been the case for Horton. If Scott did not comment on his move, he received support from British star brewer Adam Peaty.
"He's absolutely right, the most important thing as a sportsman is that you can make your voice heard, Duncan did it," he said. The presence of Sun, not sanctioned by the Fina, for vice de form, irritates a lot of swimmers. Especially since the 27-year-old Chinese will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in September, after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed. Already suspended three months for doping in 2014, he risks lifetime suspension that applies in case of recidivism.
Third most successful swimmer in history
Meanwhile, by offering himself an eleventh world title, Sun has joined the Australian Ian Thorpe as the third most successful swimmer in history on the world stage, which is displayed even on "tote bags" in the streets of Gwangju. And it may not be over yet: he will swim the 800m final on Wednesday night.